We are currently looking for a Specialist Inspector – Marine Engineer to join a nationally recognised regulatory organisation responsible for helping to secure safety across the UK offshore energy sector. This role focuses on floating offshore oil and gas installations, including FPSOs, semi-submersibles, jack-up rigs and associated marine systems.
This is a permanent staff role – requiring regular offshore and UK travel – but can be based out of (and have an area bias towards) an office in any of the following locations: Aberdeen, Ashford (Kent), Basingstoke, Birmingham, Bootle, Bristol, Buxton, Cardiff, Carlisle, Carmarthen, Chelmsford, Crewe, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Leeds, Milton Keynes, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Norwich, Nottingham, Oxted, Plymouth, Sheffield, Wrexham, York.
Whilst desirable, previous experience in an exact regulatory or inspection role is rare to find and full specialist training will be provided. The role is most likely to suit experienced Marine Engineers or related professionals with expertise gained across offshore oil & gas, marine operations, offshore vessels or floating production assets, who possess degree level education (or equivalent) and are chartered or working towards chartered status.
An annual salary in the region of £73-77K per annum is available plus benefits package including significant employer pension contributions. Candidates will require a valid UK driving licence and eligibility to obtain security clearance (requiring 3 years previous continuous residency in the UK).
A full description is given below for more information. For more information and to apply please contact me with an updated copy of your CV, stating your current situation and availability to start a new role, current home location, and salary expectations.
The Energy Division is responsible for regulating the UK’s offshore oil and gas industry, pipelines, diving, renewable sector and other high hazard industries. The division employs specialist engineers and scientists to deliver regulatory oversight, engage with industry stakeholders and provide assurance that major accident risks are being effectively managed.
Your main responsibility will be to address major accident hazards associated with maritime integrity and marine systems on floating offshore installations and mobile offshore units.
Key Responsibilities
- Assessment of offshore safety cases, drawing conclusions on the adequacy of risk control measures and identifying areas requiring further inspection or intervention.
- Conducting specialist maritime integrity assessments relating to hull structures, stability, watertight integrity, ballast and bilge systems, station keeping systems, mooring and dynamic positioning systems, cargo storage and offloading systems, and inert gas systems.
- Carrying out onshore and offshore inspections as part of a multi-disciplinary team, producing technical reports and issuing enforcement actions where required.
- Supporting investigations into offshore incidents and complaints, including evidence gathering, technical analysis and supporting legal or enforcement processes.
- Preparing technical reports and expert evidence for legal proceedings and regulatory purposes.
- Providing specialist technical advice on maritime integrity and offshore safety matters to internal stakeholders and industry representatives.
- Engaging with industry stakeholders, professional bodies and standards organisations to support improvements in offshore safety standards and good practice.
Offshore Travel & Working Arrangements
Given that this role regulates offshore installations across the United Kingdom Continental Shelf, you will be expected to spend periods working away from home including overnight stays. Offshore inspections are typically undertaken via helicopter or marine transfer from Aberdeen and generally involve 1–4 day visits offshore.
You will generally travel offshore around 8 times per year, although occasional unplanned offshore visits at short notice may also be required, including weekends. Early check-ins, late returns and work outside standard core hours can also form part of the role.
When not offshore or onsite, hybrid working arrangements apply with attendance at regional offices, alongside regular travel to Aberdeen and other UK offices for meetings and training.
Person Specification
The role of a Specialist Inspector is challenging yet rewarding and offers a breadth of work unique across the offshore energy sector. Inspectors may be involved in technical assessment of offshore safety cases one day, conducting offshore inspections the next, or supporting investigations into significant offshore incidents and helping prevent recurrence.
It is also a role where you may provide expert evidence in legal proceedings, contribute to industry guidance and standards development, and influence improvements in offshore safety across the UK.
You will often be required to make difficult decisions and use enforcement powers where necessary to ensure compliance with legislation, but extensive training and support will be provided.
Essential Skills & Criteria
- Experience involving the design, construction, integrity management or operation of floating offshore installations, offshore vessels or associated marine plant and equipment.
- Experience across one or more of the following asset types: FPSOs/FSUs, semi-submersibles, jack-up rigs, shuttle tankers, diving support vessels or dynamically positioned offshore units.
- Knowledge and understanding of offshore major accident hazards and associated control measures.
- Strong understanding of marine systems including ballast systems, cargo storage and offloading, power generation and power management systems.
- Knowledge and understanding of hull structural integrity, stability, mooring systems and dynamic positioning systems.
- Familiarity with risk management principles and risk assessment processes.
- Strong communication and influencing skills, including the ability to challenge technical authorities and engage with senior operational personnel.
- Experience producing detailed technical reports and presenting complex technical information clearly.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and flexibly as part of a national team.
- Full UK driving licence.
Qualifications
- A Marine Engineering degree or equivalent qualification, or
- STCW Certificate of Competency as Chief Engineer Unlimited with demonstrable marine engineering experience.
Memberships
- Chartered Engineer status with a relevant professional institution such as:
- Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST)
- Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA)
- Or possess the qualifications, skills and experience to work towards chartered status.
Technical Knowledge
Candidates should possess knowledge and understanding of relevant offshore and marine industry standards and good practice, including those issued by:
- International Maritime Organization (IMO)
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
- American Petroleum Institute (API)
- Classification Societies
Specialist Training Programme (STP)
You will be supported by your manager and colleagues to understand your role, develop your skills and support you in your continuing professional development. For the legal requirements of the role, you will be enrolled on the Specialist Training Programme (STP) and will be required to study for and successfully complete a formal assessment.
There is also a strong focus on ongoing technical CPD and specialist training in offshore maritime integrity, inspection and enforcement activities.
Additional Requirements
- Ability to satisfy offshore medical and survival training requirements.
- Eligibility to obtain security clearance, requiring 3 years continuous residency in the UK prior to application.
- Successful candidates will be required to undergo criminal record and security checks.
Benefits
- Significant employer pension contributions
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- 25 days annual leave increasing to 30 days with service, plus bank holidays
- Family friendly and carer friendly policies
- Ongoing professional development and specialist technical training
- Access to employee benefit schemes and wellbeing initiatives